A few job applicants who are lucky do not get to be asked ‘salary’ questions—but that is only a few. For the majority of others, this kind of question becomes a must-ask.
Research reveals that, it’s always better to know your worth in the marketplace before walking into an interview room. This means, you should know your salary requirements by doing a research to ascertain the amount someone with your qualifications and experience ought to be earning.
The ‘Salary’ question is usually asked in two ways: what your previous salaries were, and what you think should be your salary earnings now i.e., your desired salary if given the job at hand.
When a request for your previous salaries is made during the interview, it is always okay not to lie about it as employers can go an extra mile to verify your salary history through your stated referees. Instead, it becomes safer to respond to the question positively by saying that up to that point, you have been earning between so and so, according to the position(s) you worked in. Try not to state specific numbers as it may not be necessary unless you are asked for specifics. Instead, you can consider putting a range to it.
When asked what you require to be paid now, the trick is not to sell yourself cheap—this is why it’s good for you to do a little research. Also, it is not a very good idea to sell yourself too expensive as employers may begin to detect a ‘know-it-all’ complex in you even if it wasn’t your intention to appear that way. The better way is to approach this question positively and patiently. Tell them that your salary requirements are open or negotiable based on the position and overall compensation package—if there is to be one.
If they still ask you further, another option is to give the employer a salary range (not specifics) based on the salary research you have done upfront. The salary research should include: knowing the market value of someone with your skills and background, looking at recent salary surveys, talking to others working in your field or working in that company, etc.
Be flexible in your reply during salary negotiations by keeping your mind open to various possibilities.
Good luck.
(stay tuned in for the final part(Part 4: The little things you can avoid during interviews)
